《The Grand Marshal's Return [Regression - System - Military Building] Book 1 Complete!》 Chapter 1 "There is no sin greater than betrayal.¡± ¡ª Liu Changfeng, Grand Marshal of the Dawn ¡¾Congratulations!¡¿ User [Liu Changfeng] Rejoice! For it is your time to be assimilated into The Fated Grand Marshal System! [User] Has been altered to [Challenger]. You have unlocked the main quest: [Ember of Hope]. A single ember can fade into ash or ignite a wildfire. Challenger [Liu Changfeng], your performance in this life will be appraised. Defy Fate. Struggle against Fate. Change Fate. Control Fate. Destroy Fate. Liu Changfeng groaned. Who is it? Whose loud voice is this spouting fated nonsense? The Jade Emperor himself!? One moment ago the world was black and dead, just like himself. So who the hell could¡¯ve been talking to him? Before Liu Changfeng could think anymore, something violently jabbed into his ribs. His eyes flapped open and he shot up. ¡°Third Brother, what is this white powder thing on your table?¡± Wha¡ªLiu Yuan? Lui Changfeng blinked in confusion. His little brother¡­was alive? He blinked twice more but his surroundings didn¡¯t change. How could one see such vivid scenes in death? The moment this thought flashed across his head, Liu Changfeng felt as though billowing waves had risen in his mind. He struggled to open his eyes and soon, a brilliant radiance spilled onto his vision. Not too far away from him, Liu Changfeng saw a pouting boy staring at him in displeasure. "I told you not to ignore me!" The little boy used his slim finger to jab Liu Changfeng once more. "Little brother?!" Liu Changfeng couldn''t believe what he was seeing. That little boy had eyebrows shaped like crescent moons, bright eyes, and white jade skin. But more than anything, the boy was his little brother who was supposed to be dead. He stared at his little brother¡¯s face blankly. Forget that voice he heard after being beheaded, his mind was unable to react to this sight! Didn¡¯t I die? He remembered clearly that at the very last moment, he finally killed the traitorous Xian Xueye. How was it possible for him to see his youngest brother here? Furthermore, his youngest brother was so tiny. This was obviously how he looked when he was about eight, and Liu Changfeng was five years older than him. If his youngest brother was only eight years old, didn''t that mean that he was¡­ Thirteen!? Liu Changfeng lifted his arms. He saw a pair of skinny and pale arms. In that instant, Liu Changfeng was speechless. Had he come back to life? Joy and anxiety gripped Liu Changfeng''s old heart. More than that, he felt apprehensive. "Little brother, pinch me." Without hesitation, Liu Yuan did so. Around that tiny hand, there were faint white ripples. Those faint ripples of white energy seemed to congregate around his hand instead of dissipating into the surroundings. They looked mesmerizing¡ªwait this is bad! That faint white layer symbolized a 9th Star Primeval Refining expert. How could he have forgotten that his younger brother possessed an Extreme Physique with unmatched cultivation? He¡¯d die if Liu Yuan pinched him! "Wait wait wait! I was joking! Don¡¯t!¡± He crawled back, but it was too late. The pesky child nabbed his leg, Primeval Energy crackling. ¡°OW! LET GO! I YIELD.¡± ¡°Oop.¡± Liu Yuan said. ¡°Third brother, you can¡¯t blame me! You told me to!¡± Liu Changfeng frowned from the agony pulsing in his leg but it cleared his head. His heart was heavy with many different emotions. He truly returned to the past! ¡°Hm?¡± Liu Yuan tilted his head and frowned. ¡°Are you feeling unwell? Is it because father scolded you?" ¡°No¡­no¨C?¡± ¡°Ah! Or is it this white powder!¡± Liu Changfeng shook his head, grabbing the packages of narcotics from Liu Yuan¡¯s hands. With a smile, he hugged Liu Yuan, tightly. This was his younger brother, someone who loved his unsavory third brother dearly. The Liu Changfeng from back then couldn¡¯t understand this. He wasn''t able to understand this love until he lost him¡­and everyone else who could¡¯ve loved him and he regretted it. But the heavens had given him another chance! In this life he will not fail, he promises it. Liu Changfeng¡¯s face darkened as he hugged Liu Yuan, hidden from his little brother¡¯s sight. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, youngest. This brother is back.¡± Liu Yuan pushed back, his large beady eyes lifted in surprise. It was because his third brother was acting weird. The Liu Changfeng everyone knew lived without care, treating everyone beneath him despite having nothing of substance himself. He wasn''t the type to say such words. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Little brother, you should hurry back. You shouldn¡¯t be here with me¡ªif Father returns, he won¡¯t be pleased!" Liu Changfeng laughed heartily. Liu Yuan¡¯s face blanched. ¡°Y-you¡¯re right! Oh, but Mother told me to remind you to head to the grand hall to eat!¡± His little brother ran out, Primeval Essence lingered where he stepped. Liu Changfeng rubbed his forehead and realized that his hand was full of cold sweat. He really thought that Liu Yuan had managed to sneak in without anyone''s notice. Even if he managed to get past their father, he was unable to escape their mother''s all-seeing eye! With his little brother gone, Liu Changfeng closed the door and leaned against the wall. His face tilted slightly upward as he stared at the high roof of the luxurious room. His face slowly regained its calmness. He walked over to the balcony. What greeted him first was the sky, but not a sky he knew. Supple clouds drifted overhead¡ªfresh air painted with blue and bright colors. Gone was the abysmal atmosphere of sweltering static, sprawling storms. He couldn¡¯t spot a sign of those crimson lightning bolts that swept the skies like trailing willows. Everything that happened during his moment of death flowed through his mind, and eventually, he recalled the brilliant shooting star that had streaked across the sky just as he was beheaded. Then, old distant memories he thought had been buried by the weight of old age surged forth as he took in the fresh air of home. He laughed wildly. A shooting star that returned him to the past? It sounded like the stuff of legend, the tale of a hero. Not for an old soul who failed in the end. Regardless, he had returned. He had truly returned to this day, almost seventy years ago! More importantly, this was the era of prosperity! This was before the Great Disaster¡ªbefore those horrific Nightmare Gates descended and abominations wreaked havoc. This was when the Great Luan Empire stood at its pinnacle! The vast eastern seas, the western ridges, the southern jungles, and the northern plains¡ªall were part of this empire¡¯s sphere of influence. The Luan Empire dominated all foreign countries. Furthermore, its military was filled with countless generals of extraordinary caliber, and it was reputed to possess the ''Radiance of the Hundred Generals.'' Without a doubt, this was the center of the world. But great strength facilitates stagnancy. The illusion of prosperity enamored all. Only Liu Changfeng knew how close the Luan Empire was to destruction. Such was the fate of an empire stretched too far and thin. His beloved homeland lit in flames before him. As such, the powerful Liu Clan of generals fell. He lived his previous life like a scoundrel, only turning a new leaf when everything was already destroyed. It took the loss of everything before he turned his life around. However, with the memories and experience of his previous failures, he will not allow the same situation to reoccur! "I will not allow the Great Luan I hold so dear to fall," he pronounced, shouting up into the too blue sky as if someone up there were listening. First, he must prevent the downfall of his household. How can one hope to command the tides of the world without first steadying their own ship? If he cannot mend the cracks in his foundation, how can he withstand the storms to come? ¡ª The Liu Clan of generals had many blood descendants. However, regardless of their status, as long as they were in the capital, they had to return home for the weekly family meal. If things progressed as they did in his previous life, at this time, his father should have returned for dinner by now. This was the last day of Liu Changfeng''s punishment after vicious rumors said he¡­violated a common girl. He didn¡¯t, of course, but he did take the blame for it on his so-called ¡®friend¡¯, Feng Mo, who performed the cruel act. In his previous life, Liu Changfeng was a straightforward brat. He was ignorant in the ways of the world. Never would he believe that the other scions were so scheming against him like snakes in the grass. These fellows used his name to fool around outside. In the end, he was even labeled with the sin of defiling a commoner. The other matters could be forgiven, but such a vile act was truly beyond him. His Lord Father, a general of the Great Luan, was forced to deal with his unruly son. From then on, his father gave up all hope on this unfilial scoundrel of his and never bothered with him again. Liu Changfeng faded away from the Liu Clan for years until he happened on a chance to help fight against foreign powers and the Nightmare Gates. Not this life. Liu Changfeng was fully aware that he only had this meeting to redeem himself. ¡°Third young master!¡± A pair of rough voices said. Two young men with broad shoulders and towering stature dominated the scene. Their presence felt like an indomitable tower, and with a single glance, it was clear that they had endured numerous wars on the battlefield. Life has been tough on you two. Liu Changfeng wore a bitter smile. He remembered these two guard captains. His father, Liu Dong Tu, had specially chosen them from the army to guard the Liu Clan¡¯s residence. In his previous life, Liu Changfeng didn''t care much about these guards, not even knowing their names. After the Liu Clan¡¯s fall, only these two guards and a few other servants stayed closely by their side. Only at that moment did their names etch deeply into Liu Changfeng''s mind. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading inside, Han Zhen, Jiang Yun.¡± "Y-Young master?" The two guards stared at Liu Changfeng in astonishment. In the past, this young master often acted haughtily and arrogantly, thinking that it was unbefitting for him to speak with such lowly guards. Taken ab,ack they awkwardly fumbled with the gate before ushering Liu Changfeng inside. Liu Changfeng¡¯s old soul knew what they were surprised about but he simply smiled and brushed past them. It¡¯ll take time, but this young master will change. Before Liu Changfeng could clearly make out anything, the deep aroma of various delicacies that made one salivate reached his nose. In the massive hall, a large table that was sufficient for more than a dozen clan members to sit by was placed in the middle. Yet no one ate except his voracious brother, Liu Yuan. Liu Changfeng¡¯s heart sank. In this life and the last¡­shame never got easier. Lifting his head to take a glance, he saw the grim expressions on the faces of his father and his mother. His father, Liu Dong Tu, wore a tranquil expression, but the furrowed brow was all Liu Changfeng needed to see to understand his father''s true feelings. His mother had soft eyes, yet her knuckles were white as she clutched his father¡¯s arm. Liu Dong Tu sighed. "You¡¯re late¡ª" Before his father could say another word, Liu Changfeng collapsed to his knees. He slammed against the hardwood floor and kowtowed. "Father, Mother," he said, bowing deeply until his forehead touched the floor. "This unfilial son has failed you. I have brought dishonor upon myself and our family. Please forgive me." The room grew deathly quiet. Even Liu Yuan paused his eating, his chopsticks hovering midair as he looked on in surprise. Liu Dong Tu, his father, was mute. The man eyed his son with clear distrust. Liu Changfeng knew that he was in no position to beg for forgiveness. Time after time, they were forced to clean after his mess for the name and dignity of the clan. Throughout the last five years, his fuckups had been too many to count. He would ask to be forgiven as many times as it took. ¨CSLAM!!! Liu Changfeng battered his forehead down. ¡°I will sever all ties to Feng Mo and the other scions! This son will turn over a new leaf starting today. I swear it.¡± That¡¯s right. I swear it. I won¡¯t fail. He thought, holding back tears away from sight. [The Third Son¡¯s Catalyst of Change: 10 Fate Shards Obtained!] Chapter 2 Dinner finished quickly, especially after that¡­ voice''s intrusion in his head. More than that, it was awkward for his family to be accustomed to his sudden change in demeanor, but it¡¯ll grow on them. Liu Changfeng swore it. He was finally able to show the familial piety he couldn¡¯t show in his last life. Somehow his heart grew lighter eating a meal with them than when he killed his greatest enemy. Left alone in his room, Liu Changfeng had a few hours before he needed to find his parents to talk. Until then, there were many things he needed to think about. That brilliant shooting star¡­ Liu Changfeng recalled. He had never seen such a thing before. It was as if the radiance of a thousand suns streaked across the hellish sky. And then that voice inside his head. Defy Fate. Struggle against Fate. Change Fate. Control Fate. Destroy Fate. Ah, and those things called¡­ Fate Shards too. He sighed heavily. He¡¯s too old to think about this. What he understood so far is if he does something, anything that he gained some sort of currency in exchange for¡­ changing himself? No, it couldn¡¯t be that simple. It was far more likely he had to stray from the predestined outcome of his previous life. Perhaps a greater change would result in greater Fate Shards. He wondered if that is also what the voice meant by appraising his actions? Liu Changfeng donned a cold smile. What a rebellious shooting star. Truly, a fitting stroke of luck for this defiant old man. Defiance. It was something Liu Changfeng knew very well. After all, he alone defied the end of his empire¡¯s dynasty for as long as possible. As for what would follow from this heaven-sent edict upon his regression¡­ it didn¡¯t matter to him. He intended to change fate anyway, with or without incentive. However, that led to the next matter¡ªif he could obtain more of these Fate Shards, then he could purchase something, right? They sound like a currency. But where? Liu Changfeng sighed, gazing up at his ceiling. ¡°Am I wrong?¡± He mused. Nothing. ¡°How will these Fate Shards benefit¡ª¡± Immediately the hairs on his arms stood stiff. Years of instinct honed from grueling battle revealed itself and he put his hands in front of his face to protect it from¡­? ¡°Huh?¡± He grunted in confusion. Before him was a¡­great bronze mirror? No, that can¡¯t be right. It was as vast as the lacquered plaques that hung in the imperial palace, its surface rippling like the still waters of a moonlit lake. Yet unlike any mirror he had ever seen, it bore no reflection¡ªonly words, etched in a spectral light that seemed neither of this world nor the next. Liu Changfeng frowned, reluctantly lowering his arms. He swiped his head away from the mirror but it somehow followed the center of his sight! This was no ordinary vision, no fevered dream conjured by exhaustion. It was something real, something tangible, though his mind struggled to grasp it. If a great scholar were to glimpse such a thing, they might call it a divine decree, an imperial edict written not on silk but upon the fabric of fate itself. And at its center, like inscriptions on an ancient war banner, were the words: [Fated Grand Marshal¡¯s Treasury] Beneath it, in lines of glowing script, were sections as though from an unseen merchant, a shopkeeper whose wares defied reason: [Please select which category of the treasury you¡¯d like to view.] [Body] [Breath] [Art] [War] Liu Changfeng frowned. He wondered how to¡­select. This is abnormal to him. ¡°...Body?¡± He asked. [Body: Purchases Available!] [Organs] [Bronze Viscera: 50 Fate Shards] [Iron Viscera: 250 Fate Shards] [Black Gold Entrails: 1000 Fate Shards] [Dragon Marrow Entrails: 2500 Fate Shards] [Undying Demon Entrails: 5000 Fate Shards] [Bones] [Human Bones: Unlocked!] [Panther Bones: 100 Fate Shards] [Tiger¡ª ¡°Okay, okay! Wait!¡± Liu Changfeng waved his hands at the mirror thing, stopping any more lines of text. He was overwhelmed. However, he could already tell what would follow. This Fated Grand Marshal¡¯s Treasury¡­ it sounded so good it made him skeptical. Could he truly purchase new organs? No, even then! It was inconceivable! Near the end of the Age of Twilight, old experts, generals, Liu Changfeng himself all collected and developed new arts to strengthen their soldiers. The methods of cultivating organs were tedious and rare. Black Gold Entrails!? He could only gawk¡ªsuch a thing was the height of organ tempering, let alone anything above it! I¡¯ll deal with this later, when I have enough of these Fate Shards to purchase something meaningful. For now, I¡¯ll do what I can. ¡°Hup!¡± He hopped off his bed towards the luxurious chest where he remembered he stored a particular object¡ªa Minor Bone Tempering Pill. Then he sat down on the edge of his far-too-large bed. The grueling discipline he had undergone in his later years immediately took over. Breathe in¡­ He started breathing in an odd, rhythmic fashion. For some time, only the sound of his breathing could be heard in the bedroom. After the Nightmare Gates struck, ushering the Age of Twilight, old experts, generals, and even previous Grand Marshals alike scrounged together old martial arts, cultivation methods, and everything to strengthen their precious soldiers. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. As the last of them, Liu Changfeng knew almost all there was to know. He sneered, looking at how pathetic his cultivation was. Cultivation level at a measly 1st Star of Primeval Refining? Then, he raised his eyes. They were calm. He needed to focus on one thing¡ªThe last Grand Marshal¡¯s path to power. All of the techniques and skills that allowed him to stand as the last bulwark for the empire. It wasn¡¯t even hours after his regression did he already start addressing his weakness. First, he intends to break down his bones. All martial arts starts with one''s bones and organs. If one doesn¡¯t work from the inside out, you¡¯ll be nothing but a hollow husk capable of shattering stones but yourself as well. Currently, he was at a mere 1st Star of Human¡¯s Bone¡ªthe lowest of the low. Liu Changfeng muffled a curse. This was thanks to the original Liu Changfeng¡¯s refusal to do anything that brought him pain. To think pain at this level was enough to stop me back then. He frowned. There was a total of five levels to cultivating one''s bones. They were namely Human Bone, Panther Bone, Tiger Bone, Qilin Bone, Dragon Bone. Panther Bone was the most common of these bone tempering techniques, and its training method was the easiest to find among the upper echelon of society. In comparison, the method to reach Tiger Bones was much harder, and only royalties and nobles had it. Furthermore, it was normally treated as a treasure and it was exclusive to the clan or family, and never leaked to outsiders. Qilin Bones were held only for the most powerful of noble clans, and even then only for their direct blood descendants. True Dragon Bones were a thing of legends, passed down from the emperor to their heir. Liu Changfeng knew this only because of his position at the end of his long life. Not that it helped. He brushed his once decapitated neck. Tempering one¡¯s bones effectively could only occur in at a young age at that. Learning the truth of the True Dragon Bones didn¡¯t help him at his elderly age. He was well beyond his youth and any bone tempering wouldn¡¯t benefit him. But this is why I am here now. With youth and the True Dragon Bones Art, I would be able to break the limits of his previous life and reach even greater heights! Liu Changfeng pinched the pill and brought it to his lips. Held between his thumb and index finger, he placed it on his tongue. Immediately the bitter taste of countless alchemic ingredients seeped out. Once the bitter tang spread, he felt searing pain everywhere. His limbs, skull, ribs, spine. Every bone was being deconstructed weakly by the minor pill. But this was where his experience surfaced where it couldn¡¯t in his last life. He opened his eyes. Through the searing pain he shot up from the bed and grabbed his Liu family¡¯s jade seal. It was heavy. In another life, he didn¡¯t care about this jade seal other than how many gold taels it¡¯d sell. Not this old soul. Palmed in his right hand, he slammed it down onto his right foot. A sickening crack echoed through the room as the jade seal collided with his foot. Agony flared, sharper and more concentrated than the alchemic pill¡¯s diffuse torment. However, he did not stop. Pain alone is nothing. The pill¡¯s essence was minor. He needed to dismantle his bones thoroughly to maximize its weak effects. And even if it was a greater level pill, he¡¯d still do this regardless for just another iota of growth. Again. He clubbed his leg moving upwards. Pain clawed up his leg like wildfire, yet he gritted his teeth, breathing through the raw anguish. Then the other foot and leg. His ribs, his arms, his collarbone¡ªhe targeted them all with precision and resolve. Each blow was calculated, avoiding fatal or crippling damage but pushing his bones to the brink of collapse. The jade seal¡¯s surface is now smeared with crimson streaks. If someone saw what he was doing, they¡¯d call him deranged. Mad. But if pain was all it took to fix this life, then he¡¯d call this life easy. Eventually, he tossed the bloodied jade seal atop his bed. ¨CFWISH!! Liu Changfeng''s fist shot from his hips. Then another. Blood splatted across his room but he didn¡¯t care. His focus was on his old memories¡ªthat of a friend demonstrating the True Dragon Bone¡¯s Art before him. It looked like a dance. A series of martial techniques with no significance in battle or for a soldier. -FWII! FWISSH! His movements resembled the motion of a ferocious koi fish¡¯s struggle up the Yellow River¡ªone that will be tempered by fighting the upstream¡¯s current, eventually turning into a magnificent dragon! The air around his fist rippled, creating an audible snap as it cut through the space before him. His body twisted with precision, his left fist whipping outward with equal force. His movements carried an ancient cadence, a sequence once revered but long since lost to time¡­the person Liu Changfeng audaciously called ¡®friend¡¯ before they both died. This carried on for an hour before his body gave out. He collapsed onto his back. Gasping for breath, he wore a bitter smile. Not because of the pain, but the nostalgia of when he learned the True Dragon Bones Art. Old friend¡ªah, but I must call you Your Highness in this life. You¡¯ve yet to take the throne in this time¡­ Unknowingly, a lone tear trickled down his cheek. ¡°Just how many times has this old man been brought to tears?¡± He softly laughed. ¨CKnock, knock!! ¡°Young Master? Are you ready for your bath?¡± The faint, melodious voice of a maiden rang from behind the door. Liu Changfeng''s bitter, nostalgic smile froze. The tear on his cheek dried as his expression twisted into something unrecognizable¡ªneither joy nor sorrow, but a cold, battle-hardened face of a soldier. That voice. He remembered it. Too well. But he didn¡¯t allow her presence to destroy his composure. He¡¯s too experienced for that. ¡°I am, you may head inside.¡± His personal servant¡ªMei Lian. The door swung open and a young girl walked in. She was attractive and close in age. Draped in the standard robes of the Lui Clan¡¯s servants, from head to two she radiated a bubbly air. It wasn¡¯t a surprise for the young Lui Changfeng¡¯s heart to be moved for her. But her robes were nothing but the grass that hides a viper. ¡°Young Master? Are you...?¡± Mei Lian¡¯s voice trailed off as she stepped into the room, her eyes widening in shock at the blood-staining Liu Changfeng¡¯s clothes, the floor, and his hands. Her gaze darted to the bloodied floor and then back to him, panic flitting across her features before she quickly masked it with a soft expression of concern. ¡°You¡¯re injured...!¡± she gasped, her hands instinctively reaching out. Liu Changfeng waved her off, his eyes cold and unfazed, though the flicker of emotion in his chest darkened the longer he looked at her. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, the bath wouldn¡¯t wash off,¡± he dismissed. She looked perplexed. Who wouldn¡¯t after seeing how violent his methods were? But she was a servant. So she obliged hesitantly and brought the water basin instead, along with the clothes. Liu Changfeng rinsed his mouth and cleaned his teeth with a willow twig and salt. He turned around and undressed so she could clean him. Her privates occasionally brushed onto his back and arms, but his face showed nothing. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re fine, Young Master?¡± She asked after cleaning him. Liu Changfeng slowly dressed himself. ¡°I am. Do not concern yourself.¡± This Mei Lian was nothing but a watcheye from the Liu Clan¡¯s rivals¡ªthe Zhulong Clan. In his previous life, she enraptured him in her allure and seduction. She fed him poison both with the words in his ear and in his meals. Had it not been for her affecting his growth, his future potential wouldn¡¯t be so hindered. It was one of the other reasons why he couldn¡¯t grow any stronger aside from wasting the prime time to cultivate his bones. Years of poison¡­it made his heart sick. After Liu Clan¡¯s fall, her affiliation and ties to the Zhulong Clan became apparent when she was rewarded with becoming one of their Young Masters concubines. Only then did Liu Changfeng discover his first partner¡¯s true face. To think she aided the ruin of his clan to elevate her status from servant to concubine. ¡°Ah, let me help!¡± Mei Lian yelped as she cleaned the blood splatter. Stepping closer to put on his robes, she straightened them for a little too long. ¡°No need. Return to cleaning.¡± He scoffed and avoided her soft touch. He could dress himself just fine, this was just another one of her many meaningless ploys to seduce the Third Young Master. Mei Lian pouted. First was the blood, but he was acting much differently today. Let alone different, he was treating her coldly. ¡°I¡¯ll be off. Make sure this room is clean once I return.¡± Liu Changfeng¡¯s face was expressionless as he brushed past her. Wench. Savor your breaths. Living another second is mercy. He sneered as he passed the doorway. Chapter 3 Shuffling through the corridors of the Liu Clan¡¯s manor, he came upon his father¡¯s study. After dinner, he asked his mother and father to see him privately. They got riled up inside but hid it well, but his old eyes see past such masks. They were probably scared that all his actions like apologizing and demeanor during dinner were but a farce to ask for money or something. That distrust wasn¡¯t misplaced¡ªhe did that many times after all. Liu Changfeng frowned. ¡ªKNOCK. KNOCK! ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Changfeng-er, head inside!¡± Liu Changfeng wore a bitter smile before he pushed the door in. He walked obediently to his seat and sat down in front of his parents. The smell of incense, steel, and paper was thick in his father¡¯s study. His mother disliked this place too because she never liked Liu Dong Tu bringing his military work home. Liu Changfeng¡¯s face remained lowered, and he sat there quietly. His parents hadn¡¯t talked yet, so Liu Changfeng also remained motionless. His head was low, but he could discern their expressions clearly. His father¡¯s face was like steel and he refused to look at Liu Changfeng. However, his complexion had softened slightly. His mother once more grabbed Liu Dong Tu¡¯s arm. He welcomed their reactions but it only intensified his guilt. His parents¡¯ softened posture only spoke of how much of a wastrel he was. The bare minimum of apologizing and being present was enough to assuage them. Sneaking glances at his mother, he felt his heart was bleeding. Beneath his loose robes, his fists were tightly clenched. After the incident that caused his clan to fall, he thought his previous behavior would lead his family¡ªhis mother especially¡ªto abandon him as a wastrel son. Yet, during his most arduous and trying moments, when his days felt fleeting and uncertain, they were the ones who stayed by his side and cared for him. Remembering his mother, who wasn¡¯t even fifty yet at the time but had a head full of white hair like a great-grandmother, Liu Changfeng was consumed by guilt. Her final moments were spent in his arms. It was only then that Liu Changfeng was struck by the frailty of her body, so light and fragile it was as though the years of burden had hollowed her out. It was at that moment, cradling his mother¡¯s lifeless form, that Liu Changfeng¡¯s spirit shattered. The forty years that followed were nothing but a hollow existence¡ªa walking soldier bound by regret and failure. Mother...why did you give so much to someone as unworthy as me? Liu Changfeng¡¯s eyes burned as the memory overwhelmed him. In that heavy downpour, he had roared in agony, his cries blending with the storm as if the heavens themselves mourned alongside him. That day marked the first time Liu Changfeng had truly wept since entering this world. It was the day his entire world crumbled. ¡­It was also the day he walked the path that led him to become the last Grand Marshal. ¡°Was dinner fine, Changfeng-er?¡± His mother asked, bringing Liu Changfeng out of his daze. ¡°I¡­yes, mother.¡± Liu Changfeng choked. ¡°It was great.¡± ¡°So what did you want to tell us privately, Changfeng-er?¡± Liu Dong Tu asked impatiently. There was a maelstrom of suppressed emotions in the older man¡¯s eyes. Suspicion, distrust, but also¡­hope. The air in the study turned brittle. The soft ruffling of his mother¡¯s fidgeting turned slightly louder. Liu Changfeng¡¯s heart thundered in his chest as he met that piercing gaze, knowing that what he was about to say could set the course of his second chance. ¡°After much thought¡­I¡¯ve decided to enlist in the army. I didn¡¯t know if I should¡¯ve mentioned it to the aunts and uncles so I wanted to bring it up with you and mother first.¡± ¡°Wha¨C!?¡± His father, who had been treating Liu Changfeng coldly all this while, not even viewing him straight in the eye, had an astonished expression on his previously steeled face. Even his mother¡¯s mouth quivered. She stared blankly at her son, and words seemed to have jammed in her throat. This was the furthest thing she¡¯d think her unruly son would say! Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Before she could say anything, Liu Dong Tu frowned. ¡°Changfeng-er, are you certain?¡± He was a tried & true general. Such matters of enlistment weren¡¯t worth thinking twice of. But this was Liu Changfeng! This son of his was simply too lawless. He had no motivation whatsoever and idled his time away. He even befriended bad company, and the incident this time put the entire Liu Clan to shame. Liu Dong Tu was planning to tell the clan of his decision to enlist Liu Changfeng for this very reason regardless of his dear wife¡¯s wishes. He never thought that the rebellious Liu Changfeng would even conceive such a desire. It was precisely because Liu Dong Tu knew what kind of person this scoundrel son of his was that his steel face crumbled. If Liu Changfeng''s one-off apology was an attempt to lessen his punishment, then the matter of him joining the military crushed all his doubts about his son turning a new leaf. He truly changed! ¡°Truly, Father. I can¡¯t dawdle at the clan¡¯s manor any longer. We are a clan of generals. It¡¯s about time I follow suit.¡± Liu Changfeng said. Liu Dong Tu and Madam Liu looked at each other with joy. ¡°Then¡ª¡± ¡°I wish to eventually join one of the Four Great Warfare Academies I¡¯ve heard rumors about.¡± Liu Changfeng continued. He could already tell his father was about to enlist him on the spot. But Liu Changfeng knew that this time period was when the Luan Empire invested in military enlistment through the academies¡ªone of the last few great decisions they made in a myriad of poor ones later on. Liu Dong Tu frowned. ¡°How do you know of them?¡± He was truly perplexed. The comment on the academies pulled him back from joy. The royal court has barely even begun their talks of the grand opening. How did his third son know of it, let alone his elder siblings? ¡°Sorry, father. I learned rumors of it from Feng Mo before the¡­incident.¡± Liu Changfeng fidgeted. ¡°Ah. Then forget it. Do you know which of the four to join?¡± ¡°I do. I¡¯m set on the Black Tortoise of the North.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± Liu Dong Tu frowned. ¡°Why there? Do you know how distant the Black Tortoise Warfare Academy is from the capital?¡± ¡°I do¡ªah, I wait, I promise I didn¡¯t choose it because I wanted to get far from the family!¡± Liu Changfeng quickly said. ¡°I just¡­it¡¯s the safest of the four.¡± His father brought a hand to rub his chin. ¡°That¡¯s a great choice, Changfeng-er!¡± Madam Liu smiled even greater. She nudged her husband, ¡°Dear, is Changfeng-er correct?¡± Liu Dong Tu slowly nodded. ¡°It is. The Black Tortoise Academy is closest to the border but that¡¯s precisely why it¡¯s the safest. The city it¡¯s situated in is among the largest of the north.¡± Liu Changfeng frowned momentarily before his face relaxed. It¡¯s a shame I can¡¯t tell my father that the north is first in the wars to come. But he wouldn¡¯t allow me to go there if he knew how those scum ravaged and decimated our lands. Liu Dong Tu sighed. ¡°Very well. However, there''s an issue¡ªyour lacking cultivation. It must be at least the 3rd Star of Primeval Refining. That¡¯ll be years from now so prepare accordingly.¡± Liu Changfeng nodded. ¡°I will.¡± The following talk was much more lighthearted. Liu Changfeng felt a little bad for misleading them about his intentions, but they were pleased with his decision. He even made a thoughtful decision with his safety in mind¡ªthere wasn¡¯t more his mother could ask for. When his mother pushed him out to sleep early, he bid them goodnight. As he closed the door behind him, his face darkened. The north¡­ I won¡¯t allow my Great Luan to lose it again. Never again. Don¡¯t worry, old friend. In this life, I¡¯ll save the land you cherished so your rise to the throne won¡¯t be so difficult. Before he could take another step¡ª [Ding!] You have unlocked the Main Quest: [Ember of Hope 1] Details: The Fated Grand Marshal System will not settle for weakness. Only those who aim to leave their mark in history may wield its power. Task: Attend the Black Tortoise Warfare Academy¡¯s Inauguration and secure your place among its Founding Generation of students. Time Limit: 5 Months. Reward: Clear Meridians. Failure: Removal of the Fated Grand Marshal System and consequent benefits. Liu Changfeng stiffened. His breath hitched for just a fraction of a second before he exhaled slowly, steadying himself. There was something invasive about having a voice intrude his thoughts¡ªsomething he¡¯d have to get used to. But nevermind that. This throws a stone in the wheel. He frowned deeply. His original plan had been to move cautiously, to lay a foundation in the capital, and delay his military enlistment despite his announcement to his parents. Hell, even his father told him to reach the 5th Star of Primeval Refining. Yet, this so-called "Fated Grand Marshal System" had no patience for careful maneuvering. It demanded results. Now. It¡¯s forcing my hand¡­but cleared meridians as a reward for merely attending the academy? He quickly returned to his bed chambers and sat. His fingers tapped against the wooden table in thought. Entering the Black Tortoise Warfare Academy was a natural step in his plans, but not this soon. He had intended to first build connections, deal with prominent people in the past, and set the stage for his eventual rise. Instead, he was being shoved headfirst into the lion¡¯s den. In his memory, the first generation of students in all four academies were filled with dragons and tigers, many of whom were brilliant generals of the future. Haste invites mistakes. But hesitation is death. A bitter chuckle escaped him. This wasn¡¯t his first time adapting to the whims of fate. He had done it before when the tides of war demanded impossible decisions. This was nothing. He would carve his path forward, one way or another. Chapter 4 It was before the crack of dawn. Liu Changfeng had a habit of waking early over the years, this sleep deprivation was nothing to him. He shoved away the luxurious silk blanket and opened the window. Taking in the sweet spring air, he felt his head clear. Looking around, he still couldn¡¯t get used to the clear sky overhead. And I¡¯ll make sure the Heavens will stay this clear for the years to come. He sighed before faintly wincing. Pain still lingered all over but it was masked by the satisfaction of his old friend¡¯s True Dragon Bones Art¡ª [Congratulations, Challenger Liu Changfeng! You have achieved Human Bones: 2nd Star] ¡°Argh!¡± Liu Changfeng staggered to his knees before he clutched his head. That voice was the same emotionless voice he heard from the abyss of death. Liu Changfeng ignored the shooting star and the voice because it paled in comparison to waking up in the past. But now, it demanded his attention. His hands trembled as he gripped the windowsill, his breathing uneven. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, forcing himself to calm down. [Congratulations, Challenger Liu Changfeng! You have happened on the Path of the True Dragon. Would you like to continue? Yes/No] Liu Changfeng frowned. True Dragon? That could only mean one thing¡ªa path to the throne itself. His stomach churned at the thought. Damn it, is it because I practiced the True Dragon Bones Art? Does this¡­voice, this Fated Grand Marshal System, recognize the art? Liu Changfeng felt displeased. It was deeply unsettling to hear an unwanted voice, but once he thought more about his regression, it only made him more uncomfortable. There was¡­something omnipresent watching over him and his every action. Like the Heavens themselves. ¡°There is no soldier who likes his actions being read, let alone a Grand Marshal,¡± he spat, climbing to his feet. His voice was sharp, but his hands trembled slightly. The True Dragon belongs to him. The one who bore the weight of a dying world, who never faltered, even when betrayed by those closest to him. Liu Changfeng¡¯s lips pressed into a bitter line, his mind flooded with memories of his old friend¡ªthe one who had been hailed as the Last Emperor, the Son of Heaven in his past life. A man of unparalleled strength and wisdom, who had risen to claim the throne not out of ambition, but out of necessity, for the sake of the people. Memories of his old friend flooded his mind. He saw the man¡¯s weary smile, the way his shoulders had sagged under the burden of the throne. Liu Changfeng had stood by his side, a loyal blade, but in the end, he had failed him. The guilt of that failure was a wound that had never healed. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly, his voice cutting through the quiet of the room. "This lowly subject is unworthy. The throne, the Path of the True Dragon, the destiny of the Son of Heaven¡­ all of it belongs to him. Not me." The system remained silent, but the faint, hovering presence in his mind was still there. It loomed, waiting for his decision. [Would you like to continue? Yes/No. A large sum of Fate Shards will be granted!] Liu Changfeng scowled, his heart pounding. A cruel jest, he thought. To offer me the power to change everything, but at what cost? He thought of his old friend¡¯s quiet dignity, the way he had carried the world on his shoulders through betrayals, foreign armies, the advent of the Nightmare Gates, and the waves of demons from the abyss. Liu Changfeng had been his sword, his shield, but he had failed to protect him. The weight of that guilt was still fresh, even now. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "I am no True Dragon," he muttered, his voice laced with bitterness. "This old man is a soldier¡ªone skilled in warfare, not leading an empire. A blade to be wielded, not a crown to be worn." The silence was deafening, the system''s cold presence still lingering as if waiting for him to falter, to choose otherwise. But Liu Changfeng stood firm. ¡°No!¡± he said again, this time louder. ¡°I reject it. Whatever destiny you think you¡¯ve laid before me, I will not walk it. I¡¯ll forge my own path this time. I¡¯ll right the wrongs of my past, but I am no Son of Heaven.¡± [Challenger Liu Changfeng, are you sure? To step on the Path of the True Dragon is to defy the heavens and carve fate anew.] ¡°I am sure, you persistent thing.¡± he scoffed angrily. [Rejection confirmed. The Path of the True Dragon will be prompted again under specific circumstances.] For a moment, there was nothing. Then, faintly, the presence seemed to retreat, leaving him in solitude once more. Liu Changfeng exhaled, his shoulders sinking. The tension in his body ebbed away, replaced by a sense of fragile resolve. He glanced out the window again, the clear sky almost mocking him with its serene beauty. He shook his head bitterly. As if this one could ever fill just half of your shoes. Once the shock from the voice in his head dwindled, Liu Changfeng returned to his prior thoughts¡ªachieving the 2nd Star of Human Bones. True enough, even a minor body tempering pill coupled with the True Dragon Bones Art was enough to raise him up a notch. He tightly curled his hand into a fist. It felt solid. Stronger. It was nothing near the heaven-shattering body that came with the cultivation of his last life, but the feeling of growth felt pleasant. He couldn¡¯t enjoy this in his later years after reaching his potential¡¯s limit. ¡°Young Master? It¡¯s time for breakfast.¡± Mei Lian called from the door a little weaker than usual. Liu Changfeng frowned. ¡°Leave me. I¡¯ll come down myself.¡± A pause followed, but Liu Changfeng didn¡¯t hear any steps walking away. She¡¯s still behind the door. After a few seconds, he heard a muffled pout. ¡°I-I can accompan¡ª¡± ¡°Leave. If you wish to be useful, then tell the manor¡¯s guards I will be joining them for their drills.¡± he scoffed. ¡°I¡­Yes, Young Master.¡± He heard her step away from behind the door. ¡­I wonder how I must deal with this despicable watcheye. She could prove useful. Liu Changfeng tapped his fingers against the desk, his thoughts spiraling into quiet calculation. The girl was persistent, that much was clear. Her demeanor reeked of ambition, the kind that clawed its way upward without care for whom it trampled. A weakness, perhaps, but also an opportunity. Mei Lian, this "watcheye" was sent by the rival Zhulong Clan. But loyalty was a malleable thing, especially for someone with aspirations as obvious as hers. A pawn with delusions of grandeur was the easiest to move. He considered two paths. The first: use her as a sieve for falsehoods. Feed her just enough information, layered with lies and half-truths, and let her deliver it to the Zhulong Clan like a dutiful courier pigeon. It would keep them chasing shadows, diverting their attention from his true movements. But there was a second option, far less plausible, but could prove some use. Mei Lian could become more than just a pawn¡ªshe could be a dagger in their heart. A ¡°double shadow,¡± planted to erode the Zhulong Clan from within. Ambition was the key. Mei Lian¡¯s hunger for status could be turned inward, twisted against her handlers. A hint of recognition here, a small promotion there, and she¡¯d start to see the value of siding with him instead of them. Let her taste the rewards of her betrayal, and soon enough, she¡¯d crave them. But trust? That was a different matter. The problem with an ambitious personality like hers was its unpredictability. She¡¯d work for him as long as it suited her, but she''d turn on him without hesitation when she saw an opening for a greater prize. He¡¯d need to ensure her loyalty¡ªnot through trust, but through fear. A single mistake on her part would need to carry dire consequences, consequences she would understand were inevitable. Liu Changfeng smirked, an old sharpened edge glinting in his youthful eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll dangle the heavens before her and show her the abyss if she missteps.¡± he muttered. With her ambition and his designs, she could become a valuable tool¡ªa shadow cast where his light would never reach. But for now, he would play the part of a dismissive young master, keeping her hungry for validation. He needed her restless and eager. This was Liu Changfeng, Grand Marshal of the Dawn¡¯s cunning. There were countless Great Generals and Grand Marshals before him like the myriad of stars in the black of night. But that was it. All those bright stars extinguished when his own light began shining brighter. All the greats he heard tales about died before he could even witness their greatness. Perhaps they were mightier than him. Crueler. Wiser. More cunning. However, he was proud to say that in the Age of Twilight, none was more honored and acknowledged in warfare than he was. The Great Luan Empire would¡¯ve fallen long before it did had Liu Changfeng not been so skilled. Chapter 5 The morning sun broke through the clear sky, its light streaming across the land. The sounds of battle rang out from beyond the thin yet ornate walls that separated the Liu Clan¡¯s manor, where their personal guard carried out their daily drills. Liu Changfeng was outside the gates after throwing on whatever was the best fit to train in. It was another reminder of how much of a wastrel he was¡ªhe didn¡¯t possess a single change of martial clothes! In his walk to here, he discovered that his steps were steadier and his sense of balance was more grounded. It also felt like his strength and stamina even improved, but the only way he could tell would be in training. He had once been perfectly aware of everything about his body and its capabilities, but inside his younger self, he couldn¡¯t replicate such a thing yet. He would have to get to know his body over time. ¡°Ha!¡± ¡ªCLANG! ¡°Hup!¡± ¨CFWISH! FWISH! Liu Changfeng smiled. It felt good to hear the sounds of training and battle. It was in the nature of these ex-soldiers, once handpicked from Liu Dong Tu¡¯s army, to train relentlessly. For when the day came that their swords would need to be drawn, their edges must be as sharp as their resolve. This is precisely where Liu Changfeng belonged. He pushed open the gates and walked into the training grounds. He blinked. In front of him, around fifty armed men dressed in armor stood. Liu Changfeng stood silently, taking in his surroundings. The training ground was modest, its construction hastily put together, as if it had been erected in a forgotten corner. Eight wooden dummies, clad in rudimentary armor, stood side by side, while a humble structure at the back appeared to serve as a storage room for weapons and armor. Despite the presence of fifty soldiers, the facility seemed woefully inadequate. As Liu Changfeng pondered, two of the soldiers stepped forward. Both were tall, their black hair neatly cropped, and their gaze sharp with focus. They could¡¯ve been mistaken as brothers. Liu Changfeng¡¯s trained eyes assessed the two in an instant: broad shoulders and firm legs spoke of rigorous training. I forgot, but these two¡­ they are at the peak of the Primval Refining Realm, the 9th Star. ¡°Third Young Master?¡± they asked together. ¡°Han Zhen. Jiang Yun.¡± Liu Changfeng nodded to them. ¡°I¡¯ll be joining alongside the manor¡¯s guards for drilling.¡± The two similar-looking guard¡¯s brows furrowed slightly and they looked at each other. ¡°Uh¡­?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be joining with us¡ª?¡± ¡°I will. I¡¯ll follow as best I can. I¡¯m sure you all know I¡¯m only at the 1st Star of Primeval Refining¡± ¡°I¡­sure, would you like some armor?¡± Liu Changfeng nodded. Immediately, Han Zhen ran off to the barracks and quickly returned with a set of lacquered lamellar armor. ¡°Sorry, Young Master, your presence is so sudden and we only have this old set. Ah, but I could run to the clan¡¯s¡ª¡± ¡°No need, this will do.¡± Liu Changfeng cut Han Zhen off. He retrieved the set from Han Zhen¡¯s hands. Before the other Liu Clan¡¯s guards could say anything or try to assist him, he put on the armor with practiced ease, adjusting the necessary straps in the blink of an eye. Deep in his old heart, he felt a strange type of satisfaction, as if he had just done something again after a long time, which wasn¡¯t inaccurate. He turned his attention to the four-or-so other soldiers, who were staring at him while completely mute. One could hear a wind rustle the many trees that lined the walls. Liu Changfeng knew what they were surprised about, but this amount of attention wasn¡¯t much to his current self. As the last Grand Marshal, he had been worshipped and admired by millions and feared by just as many. After tightening the greaves, Liu Changfeng turned to the duo, who both wore a confused expression on their faces. ¡°How does your training usually go?¡± ¡°We¡­we start by running a few laps around the training grounds to develop our stamina and leg strength.¡± Jiang Yun said. ¡°Then we train our martial techniques¡ªbe it sword, movement or formation techniques.¡± ¡°Un.¡± Liu Changfeng nodded. ¡°Lead the way. I¡¯ll follow.¡± Jiang Yun gestured toward the edge of the training grounds, where the perimeter was marked by a low wooden fence. "We usually run twenty laps, but... you can stop whenever you''d like." Liu Changfeng''s lips curved into a faint smile, one that neither Han Zhen nor Jiang Yun could quite interpret. "Twenty laps? That will suffice." The two guards exchanged wary glances again before leading Liu Changfeng to the starting point. The other soldiers paused their drills, their gazes drawn toward the young master in his lacquered armor. Whispers broke out among them, some curious, others incredulous. ¡°Is he really joining the drills?¡± ¡°Won¡¯t he collapse after a lap or two?¡± ¡°I heard the Third Young Master rarely left his study. Why¡¯s he out here now?¡± Liu Changfeng could hear all this of course but his face was expressionless. He¡¯s been the runt countless times. It was only natural that ex-soldiers would have their grievances with the mere sight of the scandalous Third Young Master. Many of them returned loyalty to those who deserved it like his elder siblings, Liu Dong Tu and the other adults, but not Liu Changfeng. Stolen novel; please report. As they lined up, Jiang Yun called out, ¡°Begin!¡± The soldiers took off at a steady pace, their boots thudding against the dirt. Liu Changfeng followed close behind, his strides measured and deliberate. Despite the weight of the armor and his body¡¯s current limitations, his breathing remained steady. He guided his dantian to align with his steady heartbeat. Primeval Essence surged through his clogged meridians, flooding his body with vitality. Its enhancement would be crucial for keeping pace with the soldiers in his current state. I must cleanse my meridians too¡­ Liu Changfeng internally noted. By the third lap, the weaker guards began to falter. Liu Changfeng narrowed his eyes beneath his sweltering helmet. Of course, not all of them were soldiers. Some are guards for the sake of being guards. Liu Changfeng pressed on, his pace unwavering. His muscles burned, and his feet groaned beneath all the added weight. By the eleventh lap, the murmurs had turned to silence. Han Zhen and Jiang Yun, who had been running just ahead of him, glanced back repeatedly, their expressions a mix of disbelief and growing respect. By the seventeenth lap, Liu Changfeng could feel the strain in his legs and the ache in his lungs. He breathed heavily as he looked at the ground. His lungs burned, and he felt as if his legs were being weighed down by thousands of jin. Heaving, he tried his best not to throw up. He scoffed at his own weakness. Hmph. I can only blame myself¡­ By the eighteenth lap, he felt a shift in his ankle. This was his limit for now. It¡¯d be foolish to push it to the absolute brink before martial arts training. This body was still young, untrained, and untempered. It was natural for it to give out before his will, especially with how ruthless he was to his bones just yesterday. He shuffled to the side and let the others pass before he staggered to a knee. Once the many ex-soldiers finished Liu Changfeng stood without complaints. Infantry don¡¯t find the time to rest in battle unless it¡¯s their last. ¡°Third Young Master, I don¡¯t recall if you ran regularly.¡± Han Zhen muttered. Liu Changfeng nodded and unfastened the helmet. ¡°I don¡¯t¡ªwhat¡¯s next?¡± ¡°We divy up for sparring or time to polish our techniques on dummies. It¡¯ll be your choice, Young Master.¡± Liu Changfeng nodded slowly, his fingers brushing his empty side. ¡°May I have a sword? I want to strengthen my balance and body on a dummy.¡± Han Zhen raised an eyebrow, a little surprised, but gave a nod. "As you wish, Young Master." He motioned toward one of the guards standing near the equipment racks. "Fetch a sword for Third Young Master." The soldier quickly complied, retrieving a long, sturdy dao sword with a simple hilt, but it was perfectly balanced. Liu Changfeng took the weapon from his hands, feeling the familiar weight in his grasp. Heh. These old hands of mine only fit the General of Weapons. The sword was no masterwork, but it would do the job. As the other guards carried on their drills, Liu Changfeng found himself before one of the handful of wooden dummies. He gripped the sword with both hands, testing its weight once more, before taking a deep breath. He began the basics. A slash to the left, a slash to the right. Step forward, thrust. He moved fluidly, practicing his form with precision, ensuring his body and mind were in harmony. His movements were sharp, deliberate, and effective¡ªhow many times has he trained such foundations before? Primeval Energy flowed and he weaved his slashes together. But this wasn¡¯t all. Beneath the routine, beneath the practiced strikes, there was something more. Every so often, when his movements seemed perfectly natural, Liu Changfeng would flick his wrist, his foot shifting slightly off the established rhythm. The moment was subtle, hidden in plain sight, like a whisper beneath the roar of a river. When the sword cut through the air, there was a brief tremor in his bones, an almost imperceptible strain that only he could feel. It wasn¡¯t just the strength of his muscles or the force of the blow. No, this was straining something deeper. His bones. Every once in a while, he¡¯d incorporate a movement from the True Dragon Bones Art¡ªjust one fleeting gesture that would never reveal its true nature to any curious guards watching their Third Young Master train. Liu Changfeng¡¯s body trembled from both fatigue and the incredible pressure he placed on his bones. It was much slower without any bone-tempering pills, but it was still progressing. Liu Changfeng quickly masked the movement, returning to the basics of his form with swift efficiency, just in time for any curious eyes to lose their focus. His breath remained steady, and his posture unwavering, but inside, his bones ached in a way that was foreign to most martial artists. It was a cost he was willing to pay for the strength he sought. Another slash, another step forward, another bone-grating movement. It was a quiet battle within his own body¡ªone he kept hidden from prying eyes. He couldn¡¯t let them see. No one could know the secret he was carrying. For now, he would blend in with the others, drilling the basics, honing his skills, and strengthening his balance. But underneath it all, the True Dragon Bones Art would continue to strain him, pushing his body to limits others could never imagine. ¡ª ¡°Young Master, we are finished. We¡¯ll leave in time for our duties.¡± Han Zhen¡¯s voice broke through the steady rhythm of Liu Changfeng¡¯s drills. Liu Changfeng paused, returning the dao sword to his side as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He spotted tens of guards already making their way out. His gaze flickered over to Han Zhen, who stood with arms crossed, watching him intently. ¡°Do you wish to spar?¡± Liu Changfeng asked, his voice neutral, masking the exhaustion he felt deep inside. His bones still pulsed from the forbidden movements, but he didn¡¯t want to show any sign of weakness. Han Zhen raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. ¡°You wish to spar with me, Young Master?¡± Liu Changfeng gave a short nod. ¡°I need to test my limits. See how my body holds up under actual pressure.¡± ¡°Hm¡­sure. Not me though¡ªhere.¡± Han Zhen pulled Jiang Yun. ¡°Huh? Me?¡± ¡°You were better than me at training recruits back then.¡± Jiang Yun scratched his head. ¡°We never trained recruits... anyways, if you¡¯re fine with me, Young Master.¡± Liu Changfeng took a few steps back, walking to the middle of the training ground. He could already feel the gaze of the few guards who stayed to watch. ¡°Captain Jiang Yun?¡± ¡°Ack¡ªit¡¯s been a while since I saw either captain train.¡± ¡°Fool, it won¡¯t be training for him. It¡¯s just helping the Young Master.¡± ¡°Speaking of the Young Master¡­did the General tutor him? I only recall the eldest two sons being skilled in the sword. ¡± ¡°Huh. I thought I was missing something. His basics were¡­good. No, more than that. Perhaps the General hired a tutor instead without us knowing. You know how rarely he returns to the manor.¡± Liu Changfeng ignored them. He focused on the task at hand. Jiang Yun stepped into the center, his stance relaxed, though there was a hint of wariness in his eyes. He was worried about how much strength to exert on the Young Master. Although he and Han Zhen were hand-picked by the Lord to leave the army and remain at the manor, one strike too hard against the Young Master and he¡¯ll be out of a job. Liu Changfeng''s grip tightened around the sword and raised it. ¡°Uh¡­Young Master. Please take no offense, but I¡¯ll try not to injure you.¡± Jiang Yun muttered. ¡°No matter. Let¡¯s begin.¡± Liu Changfeng charged. Hopefully you could pick up what I¡¯m trying to teach you, Jiang Yun. Chapter 6 ¡°My father? It¡¯s been a long time since he''s passed, but¡­I believe calling him a mountain is most fitting. Indomitable, but set in place. He would''ve been an exceptional general in these dreadful times." ¡ªLiu Changfeng, Grand Marshal of the Dawn. ¡ª ¡ª In the path of martial arts, one needed an unmovable will, a powerful physical body, overwhelming Primeval Essence, a profound cultivation technique, and heaven-shattering martial techniques. Soldiers like Jiang Yun and Han Zhen possessed exceptional willpower and determination. However, they lacked advanced techniques. Additionally, some injuries had already taken their toll on them, prompting Liu Dong Tu to intervene and prevent these two from damaging their own potential. Liu Changfeng, recognizing their value, wanted to help them overcome these limitations. ¡°Huh. Did the General train you?¡± Jiang Yun muttered, parrying another one of Liu Changfeng¡¯s blows. He was impressed. Let alone the Third Young Master caring enough to remember their names, he was quite talented with the sword. ¡°No. This¡ª¡± ¡ªCLANG! ¡°Is my,¡± -CLANGG! CLANG! ¡°First time.¡± After the two created some distance, Jiang Yun frowned slightly. ¡°And I thought me and Han Zhen were good at that age¡­¡± Liu Changfeng grinned a little. He was to teach them, not bask in flattery. As Jiang Yun adjusted his stance, Liu Changfeng¡¯s mind wandered to the technique he had developed in the final years of his life¡ªthe one he had used to kill his greatest enemies, human or not. The Heartblood Massacre Sword Technique. But he couldn¡¯t immediately teach it to these two. The Heartblood Massacre Sword Technique had a prerequisite foundational technique before it could be learned. Liu Changfeng called it the Fiendish Heartsword. Even then, despite how they were both on the Primeval Refining Realm¡¯s cusp, their cultivation barely qualified to learn the foundation technique! That was just how advanced Liu Changfeng¡¯s personal sword technique was. Then again¡­ despite being the creator, he also can¡¯t use his own technique due to his lack of cultivation. ¡°Hey, Jiang Yun are you able to emit your energy?¡± Liu Changfeng asked curiously. ¡°Errr¡­yes. Upon reaching the peak of Primeval Refining, all cultivators should be able to do so among other things, assuming they have the necessary talent and control. Han Zhen and I only recently broke through.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Liu Changfeng grinned mischievously. ¡°Could you show me?" Jiang Yun blinked at the request, glancing at the dull practice sword in his hand. "Show you? I¡¯m not all that experienced, Young Master." "Still, I¡¯ve never seen it before," Liu Changfeng said, his tone light and curious, masking his true intent. "I¡¯ll stand over here. Try hitting that dummy from a distance. Maybe I¡¯ll learn something watching you." Jiang Yun hesitated but eventually nodded. He took a stance, drawing in a steady breath as he began channeling his Primeval Essence. A faint shimmer of power enveloped his sword, and with a sharp swing, a ripple of energy surged forward, striking the wooden dummy with a dull thud. "That¡¯s it?" Liu Changfeng tilted his head, his voice deliberately teasing. "It looked¡­ fine, but you¡¯re not really focusing it, are you? I thought it¡¯d be sharper, like a clean cut." Jiang Yun frowned, his grip tightening on the hilt. "The control comes with practice. Besides, emitting energy isn¡¯t about cutting¡ªit¡¯s about projecting force all at once." "Is it?" Liu Changfeng mused aloud, as if pondering the concept for the first time. "What if you think of it like¡­ well, imagine water flowing down a river. If you just let it go anywhere, it spreads out and loses its strength. But if you make it flow through a narrow channel, like a blade¡­ wouldn¡¯t it cut sharper?" Jiang Yun¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, and he adjusted his stance, clearly thinking over the analogy. "And¡ªoh!" Liu Changfeng clapped his hands together as if struck by sudden inspiration. "Try focusing on the edge of your sword, like it¡¯s a brush painting on the air. My father used to say¡ªwhat was it? Ah! ''The keenest blade lies not in steel, but in the heart; compress the storm, and it will roar through a needle''s eye.'' Maybe that¡¯ll help?" Jiang Yun looked at Liu Changfeng skeptically but nodded. He exhaled slowly, raising the sword again. This time, he concentrated, focusing all his energy along the blade¡¯s edge, narrowing it as the boy had suggested. Liu Changfeng hid his smirk behind an expression of wide-eyed amazement. "Whoa, that was way better! I knew you could do it!" Jiang Yun lowered his sword, his frown lingering as he stared at the dummy. There didn¡¯t seem to be a change. Or maybe there was? The Young Master shouldn¡¯t see anything he can¡¯t, so how was it better? Before Jiang Yun could dwell on it, Han Zhen clapped him on the shoulder. "Enough playing around. We¡¯re already late for our shift at the gate." Jiang Yun nodded reluctantly, his gaze flickering back to the dummy one last time. As the two guards left the training ground, Jiang Yun¡¯s brow remained furrowed in thought. ¡°I¡¯ll see you two tomorrow morning again.¡± Liu Changfeng brushed past them. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°We¡¯ll look forward to it, Young Master.¡± Han Zhen said before nudging Jiang Yun. ¡°C¡¯mon, how much longer are you going to stand there.¡± By the time Liu Changfeng was long gone, Jiang Yun still stared at the dummy. ¡°Hey, Han Zhen.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Did General Liu use a sword?¡± ¡°...No, he used a spear. Did ya¡¯ hit your head?¡± ¡°I-no, nevermind. Let¡¯s go before we lose our jobs.¡± ¡ª ¡°Heh.¡± Liu Changfeng chuckled as he ate. It wasn¡¯t a meal shared among the entire clan like yesterday. Only his mother, father and Liu Yaun were present. His two elder siblings were busy overseeing Liu Dong Tu¡¯s army in his absence. ¡°Did you have a good day, Changfeng-er?¡± His mother prodded. ¡°I did. I was training with Han Zhen and the other manor guards this morning.¡± Liu Changfeng said through a mouthful of braised chicken. He ignored the slight shock on his parents'' faces and took another bite, a faint smirk tugged at his lips. Energy was like water; it could flow freely, spilling everywhere, or it could be shaped into a blade, sharp enough to pierce stone. Jiang Yun didn¡¯t know it, but today was about planting the seed. To channel Primeval Essence through the sword was one thing. To compress it, to sharpen it¡ªthat was another matter entirely. He lifted his cup of tea, the warm steam curling into the air. His mind drifted further. They didn¡¯t realize it yet, but the first step to sword qi wasn¡¯t power¡ªit was control. Each arc of energy they tried to expel would need to be thinner, sharper, until it wasn¡¯t just energy¡ªit was honed and deadly. Eventually, once he personally teaches them, that sword qi will turn to Heartsword Qi. Ah, and whatever Jiang Yun learns, Han Zhen will too! Liu Changfeng¡¯s grin grew wider. While he couldn¡¯t teach them now because of his pathetic cultivation stage, having the two hone their skills like this would make it easier later. He just had to keep nudging them forward, one deliberate step at a time. ¡°Say, father. When are you leaving for work again?¡± Liu Changfeng asked. ¡°I¡¯m done with the royal court. I¡¯ll be returning to the border soon. Not where I¡¯m usually deployed but it''s against the same Hwan Kingdom troops.¡± Liu Dong Tu frowned. It was just his personality. He was a rigid man who found solace in the battlefield, not political battles. His tongue was meant to command troops, not talk to kings, court officials, ministers, and the like. Madam Liu consoled him with a soft touch on his shoulder. ¡°You mustn¡¯t worry dear. I¡¯m sure those two did a good job overseeing your men in your absence.¡± Ah, my two elder brothers. In this life¡­they aren¡¯t dead. Liu Changfeng wore a bitter smile. I¡¯ll make sure to make amends for them as well. ¡°Uhm. The day you leave¡­can you find me in the morning?¡± Liu Changfeng asked. ¡°Why¡ª¡± ¡°I wanted to show you my swordsmanship.¡± ¡°...?¡± Liu Dong Tu¡¯s face scrunched puzzledly. ¡°I¡­of course. I¡¯ll look forward to it.¡± Liu Changfeng smiled. Eventually, dinner ended¡ªthe last one shared between Liu Dong Tu and his family for a while before he returned to the capital again. However, today was a key memory of Liu Changfeng¡¯s previous life. It was because he never shared dinner with his father again after today. His face darkened as he watched his father¡¯s mighty back retreat into his study. In his last life, his father¡¯s redeployment to the border was shifted last minute to a fortress beside Zhulong Tao¡ªthe general of the Liu Clan¡¯s rivals. Liu Dong Tu didn¡¯t mind it. He thought nothing about the two clans¡¯ age-old rivalry. The same couldn¡¯t be said about Zhulong Tao. In two days, Zhulong Tao will invite Liu Dong Tu to the Three Springs Pavilion under the guise of discussing their joint efforts in repelling the Hwan Kingdom at the border. However this will only plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the Liu Clan¡¯s benefactor¡ªKing Ji, one of the many kings beneath the Son of Heaven. The Zhulong Clan is tied to King Ji¡¯s rival, King Shou. King Ji heads one of the three largest factions in the court, and the threat of one of his most valiant supporters, the Liu Clan of generals, allying with King Shou would be catastrophic. King Ji, ever paranoid and ambitious, would not tolerate even the faintest suggestion of betrayal. A single rumor could erode his trust, forcing him to reconsider his reliance on the Liu Clan. And Zhulong Tao, a man infamous for his cunning, understood this better than anyone. In his last life, Liu Dong Tu accepted Zhulong Tao¡¯s invitation without hesitation, driven solely by his duty to the empire. The two generals dined beneath the fragrant wisteria blossoms of the Three Springs Pavilion, exchanging pleasantries over wine. To Liu Dong Tu, it was a necessary collaboration to defend the border. But for Zhulong Tao, it was a stage¡ªone carefully arranged to sow discord. King Ji¡¯s spies, always lurking in the shadows, reported the meeting with exaggerated precision. By the time word reached the capital, it was no longer a discussion of strategy. It had become an accusation of collusion. Whispers of treason began to swirl, dragging the Liu Clan¡¯s reputation into dangerous waters. This time, Liu Changfeng clenched his fists, his mind racing. Father was never one for politics. He¡¯d never see the snare until it was too late. But now... The memory burned in Liu Changfeng¡¯s chest. The Hwan Kingdom¡¯s invasion this year was heavy. Zhulong Tao welcomed it, forged evidence, and reported back to the royal court of Liu Dong Tu, who had ¡°secret dealings¡± with the Hwan Kingdom. It was a masterpiece of treachery. Zhulong Tao''s plan was as cunning as it was ruthless. The Hwan Kingdom, emboldened by their initial victories, had sent a delegation under the guise of peace talks, offering to trade information on troop movements for supplies. The Liu fortress had intercepted a missive, and in his sincerity, Liu Dong Tu had brought it to Zhulong Tao for discussion. Unbeknownst to Liu Dong Tu, Zhulong Tao had seized this opportunity to forge damning evidence¡ªa counterfeit agreement written on Hwan Kingdom parchment with the seal of Liu Dong Tu¡¯s fortress affixed to it. It was a crude but effective forgery, one that suggested Liu Dong Tu had not only agreed to the Hwan Kingdom¡¯s terms but had secretly supplied them with rations in exchange for sparing his troops in future skirmishes. The forgery was sent to the capital through anonymous channels, timed perfectly with the spies'' reports of the meeting between Liu Dong Tu and Zhulong Tao. By the time the rumors reached King Ji, they had grown legs of their own, painting Liu Dong Tu as a man who had sold out his kingdom to protect his own skin. Liu Changfeng remembered the fallout all too vividly. Liu Dong Tu was executed within a month. Zhulong Tao, meanwhile, rose in prominence. With the Liu Clan disgraced, he became the favored general of King Shou, solidifying the Zhulong Clan¡¯s power. Liu Changfeng remembered the fallout all too vividly. He had watched his father fall from grace in his past life, branded as a treasonous traitor, not by his own actions but by the schemes of others. It was the first domino in the cascade that led to their family¡¯s ruin. Not again. If I can stop Father from attending the meeting, King Ji¡¯s trust will remain intact. Zhulong Tao¡¯s plot will fail. But how? Father respects duty above all else... He won¡¯t refuse an invitation tied to the empire¡¯s defense. Liu Changfeng¡¯s jaw tightened as he formulated a plan. No, that line of thinking is flawed. Especially when I can influence the matter of the meeting itself. ¡­All strings led back to one thing¡ªMei Lian. His face darkened and his gaze steeled before he returned to his room. Chapter 7 ¡°Y-Young Master! May I head inside?¡± Mei Lian asked from beyond the door. She sounded a little more hesitant, but Liu Changfeng didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Please.¡± Liu Changfeng sat cross-legged on the ground, his back straight as a spear, eyes shut in deep focus. If one was somehow able to see the invisible, then they would see faint trickles of Primeval Essence swirling around him like mist, faintly pulsing in time with his breath. His presence, even in meditation, was imposing¡ªlike a dormant beast waiting to awaken. The wooden door creaked open, and Mei Lian hesitated on the threshold. Liu Changfeng inhaled the scent of warm herbs and lotus drifting from the steaming basin in her hands. The faint slosh of water filled the room as she knelt beside him, placing the basin carefully on a lacquered stand. ¡°Ah, is it already time?¡± He muttered, scratching his head. ¡°Let me help you, Young Master.¡± Her voice was soft, dipping into something almost coaxing, though not yet bold enough to cross propriety. She wrung a damp cloth between delicate fingers, watching him through the veil of her lashes. ¡°Mn,¡± He grunted in assent, shifting just enough to grant her access. He felt the press of warm cloth against his skin, the slow, measured strokes tracing the muscles of his back. Mei Lian¡¯s hands were practiced and careful, yet her fingers lingered just a fraction too long. This one¡¯s old heart isn¡¯t moved so easily, girl. Liu Changfeng frowned. "You must be exhausted, Young Master, were you cultivating?" She murmured. ¡°I was. This Young Master has been dawdling for long enough. I must follow my elder brothers¡¯ lead. Especially with my father redeployed to the border in the coming days.¡± Her fingers stilled for half a beat before continuing. ¡°That¡¯s admirable,¡± she said, squeezing out the cloth before dipping it into the basin again. ¡°But even a person like Young Master should allow himself some ease.¡± ¡°Ho?¡± Liu Changfeng raised an eyebrow. ¡°I can¡¯t, even as the third son. Especially if what my eldest brother has been misbehaving like father told me. There may be a time I must step up as the Liu Clan¡¯s heir together with my second brother.¡± He huffed a deliberate note of concern in his voice. Mei Lian glanced up, her hand stopped moving. ¡°How so?¡± Liu Changfeng¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°It was from my father... He was stressing over something that had been troubling him for days. Ha! To think my eldest would fall for the Zhunlong Clan¡¯s heiress!¡± ¡°Liu Fu¡­really? I didn¡¯t think he was such a¡ªah, sorry I didn¡¯t mean to misspeak, Young Master.¡± She continued to clean. ¡°Don¡¯t be. I share the same thoughts. Perhaps his time at the border with my father has dulled his morals.¡± Mei Lian¡¯s expression softened with concern. ¡°I see...that is troubling.¡± Liu Changfeng gently pushed her arm away from his chest before he laughed coldly. ¡°It is for the clan, but not for me. With my eldest brother¡¯s mind astray, I only have to deal with my second brother if I want to vy for the position of next clan head.¡± His lips curled slightly, though his eyes remained cold. ¡°Say, Mei Lian, can you buy me the rest of Alchemist Lu¡¯s stock of Minor Bone-Tempering pills?¡± He shifted subjects. ¡°Sorry if it¡¯s too late¡ª¡± ¡°No! It¡¯s fine. I can head out at this time. I don¡¯t have much else to do tonight other than a little bit of laundry.¡± Mei Lian stammered with a smile. ¡°Good¡­and thank you.¡± Liu Changfeng nodded, watching her carefully as she rose. ¡°Take your time,¡± he added smoothly. ¡°I don¡¯t need them until tomorrow morning.¡± As Mei Lian closed the door behind her, Liu Changfeng¡¯s face turned cold. Little girl, hardships strengthen resolve, only the weak-willed will be lured by worldly affairs¡ª-I know this best. I don¡¯t need to tail you when I already know where your loyalty lies from my previous life. He went to sleep that night with a bitter laugh. To think such a laughable girl fooled him before¡ªall it took was her batting her lashes and whispering honeyed words! But the only thing he could truly mock at was his own naivety. ¡ª- ¡ªCLANG!!!! ¡°It¡¯s hard to¡ª¡± ¡ªCLANG! CLANG!! ¡°...Believe this is your second time holding a sword, Young master.¡± Han Zhen said as he blocked a flurry of attacks. Liu Changfeng¡¯s technique was immaculate, and even now he was far from revealing the true extent of his skill, but many of his Sword Techniques required a higher level of cultivation. He was using basics yet he has reached unfathomable levels of fluidity. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. It baffled both Han Zhen and Jiang Yun, let alone the other guards. ¡°The blood of generals¡­¡± ¡°Ha! Even the Third Young Master has his talents.¡± ¡°Fuck, is he already better than me?¡± ¡°Does the General know of this?¡± The seconds seemed to be extended as he moved in a whirlwind of swordsmanship. His muscles screamed. Sweat flowed down freely, soaking his heavy armor. It was unknown just how much time he spent in a sparring trance, but soon he felt the existence of his current limitations. Liu Changfeng pushed onward. His whole body stopped responding to his commands. Pain flooded his system. He kept going, forcefully keeping up his speed and force with nothing but his willpower. Then, as suddenly as he had started, he stopped. Liu Changfeng disengaged and frowned at the battered steel sword. Han Zhen noticed. ¡°Would you like to visit the finest swordsmiths of Chang¡¯an? I heard from some of my friends in the city guard that there''s been some commotion in the smithing market.¡± ¡°Really? Besides, this¡­body isn¡¯t fully grown. Too fine a sword wouldn¡¯t do any good. ¡° He muttered. Honestly, Liu Changfeng wasn¡¯t really displeased with the sword. What he really was vexed by was his young body. It was much shorter, skinnier, and weaker. It¡¯s just too great of a difference to accustom himself to in a mere two days. His reach was off. His meridians were practically clogged so his already measly amounts of Primeval Essence can¡¯t move as he¡¯d wish despite his skill. Even so, his footwork and swordsmanship were put together in a mesmerizing display enough to strike awe in these guards. Scattered Leaves Sword Art. A simplistic Sword Technique designed for someone like him right now¡ªat a mere 1st Star of Primeval Refining. It was only after witnessing the brutality of countless wars, after seeing soldiers cut down in droves by superior cultivators, that he and the great generals sought to create a sword style that could bridge the gap. A technique that prioritized adaptability and survival over elegance. Vicious arcs flowed into stabs, blocks, and parries¡ªpractitioners never stopped moving, such was the principle of Scattered Leaves. It was a foundational style made for soldiers, one meant to be taught en masse, to be passed down through the ranks of the dynasty¡¯s army. At that time, he was already a Grand Marshal, wielding a far superior sword art, one befitting his station and cultivation. But now? Now, in this weaker body, in this younger life¡­ Our work together was glorious, in the last life and this life. Do not worry, brothers. I will spread our Sword Technique decades before its creation in this life. He smiled softly. ¡°Anywhere in particular you wish to see, Young Master?¡± Jiang Yun asked, bringing him out of his nostalgia. ¡°Hmm¡­let¡¯s go to the market square in the western district. I¡¯d like to see what goods the Youzhou Family is selling.¡± Liu Changfeng said from the carriage. ¡°...West? Also, the Youzhou Family? Uhhh, where is that?¡± Jiang Yun hesitantly asked from the front. Liu Changfeng smiled and poked his head through. ¡°Yep. I don¡¯t want to go the higher-end smitheries. Ah¨Ctake a left here and follow this road until you see an old rice wine distillery.¡± ¡°A-as you wish, Young Master.¡± Jiang Yun said after Liu Changfeng directed exactly where. Jiang Yun was asking himself how the Young Master knew the directions if he hadn¡¯t been at the Youzhou shop yet. Sorry I lied, Jiang Yun, Han Zhen, but this place will have the best view of the Three Springs Pavilion where Father and Zhenlong Tao will privately meet. It¡¯s also far enough my father won¡¯t notice the carriage. Liu Changfeng¡¯s mind wandered. He kicked his feet up and groaned¡ªa habit from his old age that made Han Zhen double-take. After hearing the news from Mei Lian, there were two options Zhenlong Tao would likely do considering his personality. One, he¡¯d welcome the engagement. It would join two powerful clans, and he¡¯d likely use my eldest brother to swing the rest of our clan to fall under King Shou of the royal court. From here, there was absolutely no chance he¡¯d continue his scheme to frame Liu Dong Tu of treason once they deployed to the border. Why weaken your future allies? The Liu Clan would eventually fall into the eldest son, Liu Fu¡¯s capable hands. Two, he¡¯d not speak of the matter at all. Let nature run its course. That too was Zhulong Tao¡¯s style¡ªthe best plans require the lightest touches. If the ¡®love¡¯ between his daughter and Liu Fu blossomed on itself, he¡¯d let it happen. It doesn¡¯t matter which of the two Zhulong Tao chooses. Both decisions would buy Liu Changfeng time and prevent the eventual death of his father. Ah, and of course Liu Changfeng lied to Mei Lian¡ªhis eldest brother would never even look at the woman¡¯s way, let alone desire her enough to bridge the two rival clans. ¡°Young Master¡­is this the place?¡± Jiang Yun hesitantly asked, stopping the carriage. ¡°It is.¡± Liu Changfeng smiled. He stepped out from the carriage and his eyes glossed the Three Springs Pavilion. Jiang Yun and Han Zhen escorted him side the smithery. At the front were rows of their work. Swords, spears, and armor sets, all were luxurious and well-made, even to Liu Changfeng¡¯s experienced eye. ¡°Ah, sirs! I-if I¡¯m not mistaken¡­that crest on your robe¡ªis it the Liu Clan of generals?¡± A young boy rushed out from behind the rows of armor. A pair of smithing gloves too large for his hands threatened to fall as he ran. Soot and sweat covered his face. Youzhou Wei¡­you¡¯re so young! Liu Changfeng wore an honest smile. ¡°Indeed. The Third Young Master is interested in your goods. We¡¯ll just be looking¡ª¡± Han Zhen replied. ¡°Wei-er! Hurry and get back here once you¡¯re done!¡± A man yelled from the back. ¡°Un! Uh, this one is called Youzhou Wei, please call me if you need me, I¡¯ll be in the back!¡± Youzhou Wei said before running back from where he came from. Always busy, rascal¡­I¡¯ll see you another time when I¡¯m not busy. Liu Changfeng spotted the distant escort of his father outside the window. ¡°Let me know if you two desire any new equipment as well.¡± Chapter 8 ¡°Are you certain? You wish to wed your daughter to my eldest son, Liu Fu?¡± Liu Dong Tu frowned, putting down his wine. He sighed heavily before turning his attention away to the countless entertainers of the pavilion. ¡°Indeed, Brother Liu. Who are we old generals to stop two blooming buds of the future? If I may add another side, then it¡¯ll be smart for our clan¡¯s future too.¡± Zhulong Tao gestured his cup to the stoic general before him. After seconds of thinking, Liu Dong Tu responded bluntly, ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve been too hands-off on those matters¡­¡± ¨CClink! ¡°Such is the way of generals, Brother Liu. I too share the same sentiments. We have devoted ourselves to the Great Luan and the royal court so much so that even our offspring follow suit.¡± Zhulong Tao sipped. ¡°The capital is filled with profligate scions, so we must be grateful for what great offspring we have.¡± Liu Dong Tu stroke his wispy beard at the mention of unruly scions of other noble families. Then his mind was pulled back to the third of his four sons. Changfeng-er¡­I wonder if something changed between the last I returned home to now? ¡°Or was it because of the incident?¡± He muttered quietly. ¡°Hm?¡± Zhulong Tao raised a brow. ¡°What was that?¡± Liu Dong Tu grunted and returned a long sip. ¡°Pay it no mind. I was thinking about my third son.¡± ¡°Ah, is that so? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve said it, but that¡¯s something I¡¯ve been envious of¡ªfour sons! The Heavens are truly sided with the Liu Clan!¡± Zhulong Tao laughed. ¡°Pah. Four sons¡ªI was bound to have one who brings me endless trouble,¡± Liu Dong Tu scoffed, shaking his head. ¡°Changfeng-er has always been the most unruly of the lot.¡± Zhulong Tao nodded knowingly. ¡°A boy¡¯s heart is fickle, shaped by both triumph and loss. Whatever happened, perhaps it forced him to see the world through different eyes. Those unsavory rumors reached even my ears.¡± Liu Dong Tu grunted. ¡°Enough talking about our kin. We¡¯ll discuss it another time. Now, what of our duties on the border?¡± ¡°Now, now Brother Liu! It¡¯s a joyous topic, but if you¡¯re so adamant then I¡¯ll admit that my scouts have already relayed to me a rough estimate of those Hwan Kingdom scum. Thousands less than last year¡ªand that troublesome War Prince of theirs is busy inland expanding their reach elsewhere. Our border¡¯s defense will be no trouble, especially as we join hands to repel those invaders.¡± ¡°Humph. That¡¯s it? We could¡¯ve figured this out in mere hours of defending. If that¡¯s all, I¡¯ll meet you at the border.¡± Liu Dong Tu said, getting up. ¡°Ah, wait. About that¡ªwhy not join my escort in the three days? You can spend some more time at home instead of leaving early.¡± Bothering me still? But¡­he¡¯s not wrong. ¡°Fine. Three days.¡± ¡ª ¡°Young Master, isn¡¯t that the General?¡± Han Zhen frowned as he held a beautiful sword. He pointed outside the window at a distant figure. Perceptive¡­ Liu Changfeng noted. ¡°Looks like it.¡± ¡°Huh. I didn¡¯t think the General liked to drink at pavilions or mingle among entertainers.¡± ¡°My father doesn¡¯t. He¡¯s there because of the person who invited him¡ªZhenlong Tao.¡± Han Zhen jerked his head so quickly he nearly dropped the shop¡¯s sword. Across the store, Jiang Yun¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Why would that twisted snake invite our General? To poison his rice wine?¡± Jiang Yun huffed. ¡°It¡¯s a scheme. Definitely a scheme. Should we bust inside?¡± Han Zhen pondered. ¡°You¡¯re both right¡ªah, not about busting inside. It is a scheme, but my rigid father doesn¡¯t realize it,¡± Liu Changfeng muttered. ¡°Then¡ª!¡± ¡°No. Let alone me, you two are like stalks in the wind against someone of Zhenlong Tao¡¯s cultivation. Besides, the Zhenlong Clan¡¯s head isn¡¯t going to poison one of the Son of Heaven¡¯s generals in the capital. The matter¡¯s already settled.¡± Liu Changfeng rubbed his chin. Hmm¡­or did he? I think he did something drastic to someone else decades later¡­ The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Excuse me, sirs!¡± Youzhou Wei panted, running out from the back once again. ¡°Are you all leaving? Is our Youzhou Family¡¯s work not good?¡± Liu Changfeng smiled at the boy who barely reached his waist. ¡°No, it¡¯s the opposite. I fear my carriage isn¡¯t enough to carry all that want from this store.¡± "Hrm!?" Youzhou Wei exclaimed. He didn¡¯t understand what the Young Master before him was saying. Was this what his uncle meant when he said, ¡®C¡¯mon, Little Wei! Bargain with that Liu Clan prince. His pockets run deep!¡¯ Liu Changfeng laughed and ruffled Youzhou Wei¡¯s hair. "Brat! I¡¯m saying I wish to form a relationship between the Youzhou Family of Smiths and my Liu Clan of Generals!" Like a wolf catching the scent of blood from a forest away, Liu Changfeng heard the clang of metal dropping in the back, followed by booming footsteps rushing toward him. Within seconds, a massive, sweaty, and soot-covered hand swung open the door. A pot-bellied and unkempt man emerged, panting just like Youzhou Wei had been earlier. Except this man wore a sleazy grin directed at Liu Changfeng. "Ah, Uncle!" "Not now, Little Wei." The man put up a hand before bowing deeply. "Young Master! Did my ears deceive me, or did I hear you mention that you wish to form a relationship with this humble smithery? "Indeed, I did say that." "Then¡ª" "Han Zhen, Jiang Yun! Give this hard-working smith all the gold taels I brought here." "HUH!?" Both Han Zhen and Jiang Yun exclaimed, their jaws dropping. "It¡¯s an order. If anything, it''s too little for collateral." The two exchanged incredulous glances before reluctantly reaching for the sacks tied around their waists. Now it was the old smith¡¯s turn to be stunned. "Young Master, what is this? You haven¡¯t even¡ª" "Treat it as a gift if need be. I am but the third son of the Liu Clan¡¯s head. My promises mean nothing without greater approval, and I am sure you understand this well. However, to show my sincerity in forming a connection with the Youzhou Family, I am willing to provide you with tens of gold taels." "I-I don¡¯t know what to say, Young Master. Erm, I haven¡¯t even gotten your name..." Liu Changfeng chuckled as Jiang Yun and Han Zhen weighed down the old smith¡¯s arms with heavy sacks of money. "Liu Changfeng, third son of General Liu Dong Tu." "...This old man¡¯s name is Youzhou Wen.¡± "I bid you farewell, Youzhou Wen. I¡¯ll be seeing you." Liu Changfeng grinned. As the three of them left, Youzhou Wen and his nephew stood frozen, stunned by the sheer generosity of the gift. ¡ª "Young Master... those gold taels were the last of your allowance..." Han Zhen frowned as he blocked another flurry of sword strikes. ¡°You didn¡¯t even buy anything.¡± The three of them were back in the manor¡¯s training yard for evening drills. The other guards were absent¡ªactually working¡ªbut Liu Changfeng had used his status to pull these two away from their duties. "Disappointed I didn¡¯t buy you two some new weapons?" Liu Changfeng smirked. "I¡ªNo, no! Of course not!" Liu Changfeng didn¡¯t let Han Zhen off, pressing forward with another sequence of the Scattered Leaves Sword Art. Han Zhen raised a brow but still blocked every strike with ease. "I was kidding, Han Zhen." Liu Changfeng glanced past him. There, Jiang Yun was training on the dummies, following the same mystifying instructions Liu Changfeng had given him two days ago. Primeval Essence flowed from his sword¡ªeach strike sharper than the last. "Again." Liu Changfeng gestured for Han Zhen to switch with Jiang Yun. Hours passed like this. If Han Zhen and Jiang Yun weren¡¯t already shocked by their Third Young Master¡¯s skill with the sword, they were now. It was as if he devoured every ounce of knowledge and experience with each exchange. His swordsmanship, already formidable, was improving at an unsettling pace. No¡ªbefore that. He wasn¡¯t tired. It wasn¡¯t that his stamina was exceptional. It was something else entirely. His movements were fluid, each step seamlessly flowing into the next. Of course, having the advantage of being on the offensive helped, but even so¡ª! Unbeknownst to the two of them, Liu Changfeng had achieved something he thought would be trivial¡ªadapting to his own body. It was at a passable level now, saving increments of stamina and strength from wasted movement. However, just as he reached that point, something else blindsided him. That mirror-like thing! [System Alert!] Liu Manor Guard Captain [1/2] recognized: [Jiang Yun] [Jiang Yun] Has achieved the First Stage of the Fiendish Heartsword. Challenger Liu Changfeng! You have met the conditions for [Grand Marshal¡¯s Subordinates] New feature unlocked: [Grand Marshal¡¯s Subordinates] At that moment, Jiang Yun, panting from exertion, stepped back and lowered his sword. A flicker of realization crossed his face before he nodded with certainty. "...I think I got it now," he muttered. Liu Manor Guard Captain [Jiang Yun] [Jiang Yun] One half of the rising stars of General Liu Dong Tu¡¯s army¡ªknown for his ferocity and unyielding loyalty. In battle with his bloodsworn brother, they were like twin tigers tearing through enemy ranks, their synergy unmatched. But war was cruel. Their injuries had forced them off the battlefield, and while they were still strong, they were no longer the warriors they once were. General Liu Dong Tu had given them a chance to recover. One day, they were meant to return to his ranks. Yet now, perhaps¡­a new path may open. Hidden Quest Received! [Tiger Brothers 1] Task: Reforge the roots of the two former infantry tigers. Although they were reassigned to the Liu Manor for recovery, their fighting spirits remain. Strengthen their resolve, train them to surpass their former selves, and lead them toward a new path. Reward: [???] Failure: Jiang Yun and Han Zhen remain as guards, unable to regain their former strength. Their fate diverges from yours. Progress: [1/2] A strange sensation settled in Liu Changfeng¡¯s chest as these words echoed in his mind. A formation bonus will be activated if both captains are acknowledged as subordinates. ¡°Young Master!¡± Han Zhen sheathed his sword and rushed to check on Liu Changfeng, who had staggered to a knee. Liu Changfeng held up a hand. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine. Maybe I strained myself too much¡­¡± ¡°I¡­yes, that was my mistake. I was too distracted by that training Jiang Yun and I have been doing and drilling with you. I forgot that it¡¯s only been a few days since you¡¯ve even picked up a sword, let alone temper your body.¡± Han Zhen frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll call it a night. You can train alongside Jiang Yun¡­maybe pull him out of his trance.¡± Liu Changfeng laughed, pointing at Jiang Yunpractically drooling in focus. As he made his way back to his bed quarters, the events of the day replayed in his mind. Hidden¡­quest? That reminds me¡ªI have that main quest I heard when I first woke. And as if system noticed his confusion, the mirror appeared again. You have unlocked the Main Quest: [Ember of Hope 1] Details: The Fated Grand Marshal System will not settle for weakness. Only those who aim to leave their mark in history may wield its power. Task: Successfully attend the Black Tortoise Warfare Academy¡¯s Inauguration and secure your place among its Founding Generation of students. Time Limit: 147 Days. Reward: Clear Meridians. Failure: Removal of the Fated Grand Marshal System and consequent benefits. He laughed softly to himself as he lay down to rest. This voice is called the ¡®Fated Grand Marshal System.¡¯ Quite the convenient thing.